Pep Guardiola has proclaimed he wants to get back to coaching following his seven month sabbatical from the game at the news conference at FIFA Ballon d’Or gala ceremony in Zurich. Pep stood down stood down as Barcelona manager at the end of last season after deciding not to renew his rolling one year contract.

Pep Guardiola confirms return to coaching

The 41 year old, former Barcelona coach said he is eyeing for a new coaching job but says he has no specific destination in mind.

“Yes I would like to come back to coaching. I have been out of coaching for a year and it’s what I would like but there is no reason to give any more specific details,” announced Pep.

“I have taken a decision to return to coaching but beyond that no decision has been taken.”

Guardiola’s admission that he is now planning to return to the game has revived interest in the Spaniard and has sparked renewed competition for the services of the man who guided Barcelona to 14 trophies in four seasons. It is suggested that he is probable to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United or as the next permanent manager at Chelsea.

The former FIFA World Coach of The Year is also been linked with German giant Bayern Munich but he folded down the rumor and said it would be a “lack of respect” to talk about any team which currently has a coach. He also denied he was in contention to head hosts Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.

“I think it has to be someone from their own country. Scolari is one of many world class coaches from Brazil,” Pep said on Luis Felipe Scolari who was appointed for a second spell in charge of Brazil’s national team last month.

Pep Guardiola ended his reign as Barcelona head coach last summer and took a year break away from football stating that demands of the job were too great and his energy levels too low to continue. He is succeeded by his then assistant and current Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova.

Guardiola, who has been living in New York, said he had kept a close eye on Barca since leaving the club.

“I keep on watching Barcelona on TV and it’s a great show, a great team and I’m just a fan,” Pep said.